Post on 09-Mar-2018
1TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
TRENT UNIVERSITY’SBATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTER
A Proposal to the Post-Secondary InstitutionsStrategic Investment Fund
CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION/EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW 4
1.1 The Three Components of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster 41.2 Trent University 61.3 The Bata Library 71.4 Trent’s Strategic Directions and the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster 8
2. THE BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTER IN DETAIL 10COMPONENT A of the Bata Cluster 10
2.1 Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre 112.2 Educational Research Design Studio 142.3 Trent Community Research Centre 162.4 MakerSpace & Public Ideation Area 182.5 Service Point 19
COMPONENT B of the Bata Cluster 202.6 Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre 212.7 Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre 242.8 Trent Centre for Aging & Society 262.9 Visualization & Creativity Lab 282.10 Training & Discourse Room 30
COMPONENT C – Infrastructure 312.11 Digital: High Performance Computing & Data Analytics 312.12 Heritage & Sustainability 322.13 Green Walls 34
3. PROJECT GOVERNANCE 35
4. RISKS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES 36
5. DETAILED PROJECT SCHEDULE WITH MILESTONES 38
6. PROJECT COSTS 406.1 Budget Summary 406.2 Financial Information Summary 406.3 Sources of Funding 416.4 Ineligible Costs 41
7. OUTCOMES: THE RESULTS OF SIF SUPPORT 427.1 Introducing Students to Entrepreneurship 427.2 Faculty and Graduate Research 427.3 Local, Provincial, and National Economic Benefits 437.4 Understanding Demographic Changes 437.5 Provincial Mandate 437.6 National Cultural Implications 447.7 Aboriginal Impacts 447.8 Advancing Canada’s Climate Change and Sustainability Goals 44
8. PROJECT READINESS FACTORS: Appendices(Attached as Supporting Documents)
Appendix 1: Trent Research Innovation Park
Appendix 2: Capital Inventory/SIF Provincial Template
Appendix 3: Approval in Principle of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster by Chair of the Governing Board of Trent University
Appendix 4: Certification and Authorization of the Bata Research & Innovation Project
Appendix 5: Priority Designation by Trent University
Appendix 6: Letters of Support: Maryam Monsef (MP, Peterborough-Kawartha); Jeff Leal (MPP, Peterborough);
Daryl Bennett (Mayor, City of Peterborough); J. Murray Jones (Warden of County of Peterborough)
Appendix 7: Engineering Designs & Regulatory Approvals
Appendix 8: Approved Project Schedule with Milestones
Appendix 9: Contractor Proposals and Start Dates
Appendix 10: Approved Sources of Funding
Appendix 11: Trent University Bata Research & Innovation Cluster Vision & Proposal, prepared by Perkin+Wills
Appendix 12: Trent University’s 2015 Report to the Community
Appendix 13: 2015 – 2019 Strategic Plan Summary (City of Peterborough)
Appendix 14: Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) Consultations
4 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
1. INTRODUCTION/EXECUTIVE OVERVIEWTrent University is submitting one proposal to the federal government’s Strategic Investment Fund. It will facilitate the
transformation of two floors of the iconic Thomas J. Bata Library, creating the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster. The
Bata Cluster will house seven centres of research, innovation and commercialization at the same time that it creates three
collaborative interactive spaces to facilitate research, development and entrepreneurship. The transformation will be carried out
in a way that maintains and enhances a historically-significant building that was designed by one of Canada’s most renowned
architects, Ron Thom. The project will demonstrate ways to combine a commitment to nationally-important architecture with a
contemporary need for digital infrastructure, and for sustainable design that furthers Canada’s climate change agenda.
1.1 The Three Components of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster
The proposed project has three components (Figure 1).
COMPONENT A will be located on the second floor of the Bata Library. It will house three centres – the Entrepreneurship &
Social Innovation Centre, Educational Research Design Studio, and the Trent Community Research Centre. These centres will
occupy a floor with a MakerSpace and Public Ideation Area designed to promote the generation of new projects, and a Service
Point that provides support and assistance to users seeking information, research assistance and/or technological help.
The plan for the new Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre has been developed in partnership with community agencies,
the City of Peterborough, and other partners. Over the last three years, the University has worked with the Trent Central Student
Association (Trent’s principle student union) to develop a new Student Centre. The need for an Entrepreneurship Centre was
a recurring theme in those discussions. Locating such a centre in the Bata Cluster will allow faculty, students, and partners to
develop skills that promote research and innovation. This project is driven by the shared conviction that the path to prosperity in
Peterborough, Ontario and Canada lies in startups, entrepreneurship and innovative research.
The Trent Community Research Centre is a well-established entity that connects the University to the community through
research projects carried on in partnership with community groups and agencies. It is a catalyst for community action through
research. A redesign of the Centre to promote social innovation, career-related experiential learning and entrepreneurship is
planned for the near future. Every year the Centre provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and connect
to community organizations through research projects that it oversees.
The new Educational Research Design Studio will foster the development of new methods of learning, training and teaching
that include innovative methods, practices and technological aids. The Studio will promote the teaching of the skills needed for
research and entrepreneurship at the same time that it is involved in these pursuits.
5TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
COMPONENT B of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will be located on the third floor of the Bata Library. It will house four
centres for research – the Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre, Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre,
Trent Centre for Aging & Society, and the Visualization & Creativity Lab. This floor will share a Training & Discourse Room that
accommodates 40 people at tables, open space, and “hot desks” available for general use. The hot desks will be arranged to take
full advantage of the spectacular views of the Otonabee River that inspired Ron Thom’s design of the library.
The relocation of the Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre to the Bata Cluster will enhance its long-standing and well-
known expertise in environmental modelling. This relocation will improve the Centre’s capacity, efficiency and effectiveness in
model development which has a special focus on movement of toxic and environmentally-impactful chemicals and compounds
around the globe.
The Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre is the only one of its kind in Canada. It focusses on research and
innovation projects that promote healthy, sustainable Indigenous communities. Areas of interest include environmental
protection, responsible resource development which promotes economic development, inter-cultural understanding, and
improvements in health and education for Indigenous residents in rural and remote communities.
The Trent Centre for Aging & Society has a well-established reputation for its work on the social determinants of health, and the
development of social and economic policies and initiatives that support aging. Proximity to the Bata Cluster centres and spaces
will inspire opportunities for new social and economic enterprises serving senior markets, and allow the study of policies and
practices relevant to demographic advantages/challenges for all of Canada, and for Indigenous communities.
The Visualization & Creativity Lab will promote an emerging focus on visualization among Trent researchers who are developing
ways of analyzing visual images, geometric transformations, perspective taking, creative thinking, data analytics, computer
gaming and film visualization. Some of the work in the lab will study their effects on users. The Lab will advance human
connections with the visual, and facilitate interactions among researchers, students and collaborators across all the Bata centres.
COMPONENT C of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster is the infrastructure that will ensure that Components A and B are
able to operate in the best way possible. It will incorporate the digital and high performance computing infrastructure needed
for advanced research and building design elements that will achieve sustainability and environmental goals of both Trent
and the Government. The latter will be introduced in a way that respects and enhances the elements of a widely recognized
architectural masterpiece.
Figure 1. Overview of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster
COMPONENT A
CEN
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ES /
SP
AC
ES +
GO
ALS
COMPONENT B INFRASTRUCTURE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION CENTREInspiring, engaging, and supporting new entrepreneurs, with a special focus on students and aboriginal youth
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH DESIGN STUDIOResearching and developing innovative pedagogies, curriculum, practices and learning tools
TRENT COMMUNITY RESEARCH CENTRESupporting local and experiential student research projects
MAKERSPACE AND PUBLIC IDEATION AREAOpen zones of interaction that facilitate prototyping, idea generation and animated discussions to promote all activities in the Cluster
SERVICE POINTSupporting clients seeking information, research assistance and technology service
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING CENTREIn partnership with the private and public sector, investigates critical chemical and physical environmental issues of high global and Canadian interest
INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES RESEARCH CENTREWorking to address Indigenous environmental and sustainability issues
TRENT CENTRE FOR AGING & SOCIETYPromoting community initiatives and enterprises on aging
VISUALIZATION & CREATIVITY LABProjects on visual data, visualization, augmented reality and visual learning structures
TRAINING & DISCOURSE ROOMShared space, fully equipped with AV & Media used for workshop/training, with flexible configurations for up to 40 people
DIGITALHigh performance computing and data analytics in support of research and innovation for faculty, sta�, students and industry
HERITAGEMaintain heritage of the Bata building including essential Ron Thom architecture
GREENSustainability through HVAC system, energy e�cient windows, new roofing, green wall, book relocation and storage
TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
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1.2 Trent University
Trent is one of Canada’s premier small universities. It leads the way in the development of a personal, interactive approach to
university education, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate programs and strong graduate programs in a number
of key disciplines (with M.A., M.Sc., M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees). Maclean’s Magazine ranks Trent as the number one primarily
undergraduate University in Ontario and as number two in Canada. Trent students consistently report higher than average levels
of satisfaction and engagement in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Research Info$ource places Trent third in
its ranking of research at small universities in Canada. Research productivity and return on investment at Trent is superior to that
of many other institutions which are twice its size.
Trent has always emphasized active learning. This is one of the reasons it has embraced a decision to remain a small University in
which undergraduate and graduate students can directly connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers. At Trent, this
happens in diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research groups, and co-curricular
and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent aims to bring critical, innovative, ‘outside-the-box’ thinking to life.
Trent University is characterized by strong research in all its undergraduate and graduate program areas. Some areas of special
strength are the Study of Canada; Indigenous Studies (Trent established the first undergraduate Indigenous studies program
in 1969, and the first PhD in Indigenous Studies in 1999); Environmental Studies (with research and programs in Biomaterials,
Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental and Resource Science, Water Quality, and Indigenous Environmental Studies); the Study
of Aging; International Programming; Social Justice; and Health and Nursing.
Trent’s Peterborough campus (the Symons campus) boasts award-winning architecture on a 1450-acre campus in a breathtaking
natural setting that spans both sides of the Otonabee River. With the recent extension of Highway 407, the campus is less than
90 minutes from downtown Toronto. The University’s Durham campus, located in Oshawa, Ontario, delivers programming in the
east Greater Toronto Area. The proposed Bata Research & Innovation Cluster would be located on the second and third floors of
the Bata Library, located on the Symons campus.
7TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
1.3 The Bata Library
The Bata Library will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2019. An iconic and unique example of modernist architecture, it is
the geographical and the intellectual heart of Trent’s Peterborough campus. It is a building of national and international
architectural importance. A 2013 article in The Walrus describes Thom and his rival, Arthur Erickson, as “nation builders” who
“defined our aesthetic.”
Currently, the Bata Library already functions as a key component of research infrastructure at Trent. It provides access to over a
million print and electronic documents. They include books, maps, photograph collections, journals and databases. The library
also houses an active archive, many special collections and a Maps, Data & Government Information Centre (MaDGIC) which
serves as the campus centre for geospatial and statistical data, offering technical support to students and researchers using
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies. MaDGIC manages the site licence for ESRI software and coordinates a
number of data partnerships with the public and private sectors.
Trent University librarians and archivists are active participants in research projects, as well as two academic library consortia.
The national Canadian Research Knowledge Network and the provincial Ontario Council of University Libraries missions actively
support research and scholarship. These connections allow Trent to combine its research expertise with that of other institutions.
The University’s subject and specialist librarians and archivists provide in-depth research support through a number of channels,
assisting faculty, students and researchers in navigating the increasingly complex world of scholarly information. The role of our
librarians is expanding to support research into patents, intellectual property (and the associated commercialization issues), and
text and image-mining research projects.
WITH THE OLD APPROACHES.IT’S A TIME FOR TRANSFORMATION.Don Tapscott, Trent University chancellor, alumnus, bestselling author and advisor to governments and business leaders globally
THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR TINKERING
TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
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1.4 Trent’s Strategic Directions and the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster
The Strategic Investment Fund program provides Trent
with an opportunity to complete a project which will serve
federal and provincial priorities. Trent is proposing $14 M
in funding to accomplish the Bata Research & Innovation
Cluster transformation: $7M from the Strategic Investment
Fund; $1.1 M from the provincial government; $2 M from a
fundraising campaign ($1.1 M has already been raised); and
the remainder from debt financing. The Board of Governors
and the President of Trent have approved the current
submission. Trent is ready to begin work on it immediately.
The proposed Cluster would transform two floors of the
Thomas J. Bata Library into a twenty-first century research,
innovation and entrepreneurship hub in a way that would
respect the historical and architectural importance of the
building, prepare it for another fifty years of active life, and
further the innovation and economic agendas of Trent,
Peterborough, Ontario and Canada.
The Bata Library remains an impressive architectural
achievement, but it was built at a time when environmental
responsibility, sustainability and digital communication
played little role in architectural design. During its first fifty
years of life, the building has not been renovated, and its
basic systems – mechanical electrical, structural – and
building envelope need to be upgraded.
In order to provide better support for research, learning,
innovation and commercialization projects, the Bata Library
needs more open space for collaborative use; improved
digital infrastructure; high performance computing; areas
dedicated to specific research activities and interactive
spaces. By providing Trent with two floors upgraded in this
way, the Bata Cluster can provide researchers (students,
faculty and University partners) with state-of-the-art
research facilities inside the existing library.
$14M IN FUNDING TO ACCOMPLISH THE BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTER TRANSFORMATION
9TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
Two developments have culminated in the proposal to create a Bata Cluster:
• One is a library decision to remove 50% of its print collection as a result
of the increased use of electronic resources. This move will remove parts
of the collection which are not used (some of it will be maintained in
storage space) and open up space that the University will make available
for research, innovation and entrepreneurship activities.
• A second development that has led to this proposal is Trent’s commitment
to a research program that will make it an even more important catalyst in
the development of the economy of Peterborough and Eastern Ontario.
Current plans include the development of a Trent Research and Innovation
Park which will commercialize research relating to a range of green
technologies such as: water quality treatment, green chemistry, sustainable
agriculture and other forms of environmental business (See Supporting
Documents: Appendix 1 – Trent Research Innovation Park ). The land needed for the Research and Innovation Park has
been designated by the Board. To facilitate its development, the University and the City of Peterborough have formed a
partnership which will provide approximately $5 million of basic infrastructure (most significantly, water and sewage) to the
Park. Three prospective tenants have already expressed interest in the possibility of locating their businesses in the park.
To fully develop Trent’s research and commercialization infrastructure requires more space for research and innovation, and for
the development of entrepreneurs who will develop economic and social enterprises that reflect and leverage Trent research.
Trent aims to develop a hub for research and innovation that will bring together existing and emerging centres of research and
innovation in a way that enhances their operations and provides space for new ventures. Some of these ventures will produce
commercial applications that will be developed in Trent’s research park. The emphasis in the current project is initiatives that
bring together researchers and students who approach related issues and problems from different methodological perspectives.
Thus, as a compliment to other elements found across the campus (i.e. business incubator in DNA building, the new Research
and Innovation Park) the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster fills in crucial pieces of the ideation/incubation/innovation/
commercialization spectrum.
The Bata Cluster will provide key research, entrepreneurship/commercialization space at the same time that it addresses
the need to retrofit the Bata Library in a way that employs principles of LEED design. In the process, Trent aims to marry its
longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, energy conservation, and climate change abatement to
its aim to be Canada’s best small research University.
The Cluster will create many possibilities for cross-disciplinary research. The Centre for Environmental Modelling will, for
example, be able to easily collaborate with the Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre; the Centre for Aging &
Society will be able to work in the Visualization & Creativity Lab on visual representations of aging; and the Entrepreneurship
& Social Innovation Centre will be able to work with all the centres in the Cluster. All the spaces will have access to new digital
infrastructure and high performance computing to enhance their research and innovation efforts.
The need for Bata renewal, and for research and innovation space, has been noted in Trent’s planning for some time. In 2007 a
Facilities Renewal Strategy identified the need for a new student information commons and the need to repatriate space at the
Bata library. This precipitated planning for a Student Centre which is currently under construction. It has been widely recognized
that the next step in Trent’s renewal must focus on the Bata Library, a building the University needs to reimagine and upgrade. In
keeping with this, the University has included the library building in deferred maintenance projects submitted to the provincial
government. Detailed planning has been going on for over a year.
(See Supporting Documents: Appendix 2 – Capital Inventory/SIF Provincial Template; Appendix 3 – Board Approval;
Appendix 4 – Certification; Appendix 5 – Priority Designation; Appendix 6 – Letters of Support).
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY CONSERVATION, AND CLIMATE CHANGE ABATEMENT
AtriumGreen Wall
1 2
45
PUBLIC ID
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AR
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MAKERSPACE
SERVICEPOINT
6
TCRC3
TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
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2. THE BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTER IN DETAILThe Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will relocate some existing centres of research and innovation and establish others.
The result will be intensely-interactive spaces that encourage and foster interdisciplinary discussion and collaborative research
initiatives, and that involve researchers and students working with the different centres.
COMPONENT A of the Bata Cluster
Component A on the second floor of the Bata Library will house three centres (the Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre,
the Educational Research Design Studio, the Trent Community Resource Centre) as well as a MakerSpace, Public Ideation Area,
and an integrated Service Point. We discuss them each in more detail below.
1. Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre
Inspiring, engaging, and supporting new entrepreneurs,
with a special focus on students and aboriginal youth
2. Educational Research Design Studio
Researching and developing innovative pedagogies,
curriculum, practices and learning tools
3. Trent Community Research Centre
Supporting local and experiential student research projects
4. Makerspace & 5. Public Ideation Area
Open zones of interaction that facilitate prototyping,
idea generation and animated discussions to promote all
activities in the Cluster
6. Service Point
Supporting clients seeking information, research
assistance and technology service
11TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.1 Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre
Executive Summary:
The new Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre will demonstrate how students and others can turn their ideas into new
enterprises. Its location in the Bata Library, a prime spot where students naturally congregate, will trigger curiosity and invite
investigation. The Centre’s proximity to the Public Ideation Area, the MakerSpace, and the research centres in the Bata Cluster
will make it an ideal place for student and other entrepreneurs to meet and interact with mentors and prospective collaborators.
One of the projects the Centre will sponsor is a distance-learning program focussed on aboriginal youth entrepreneurship,
leveraging University contacts with 133 Indigenous communities in Canada. Table 1 summarizes the current partners, student
involvement, and major outcomes for the Centre.
In May 2014, a Trent working group was established to consider ways to support and encourage students who might consider
entrepreneurship as a career. The 15-member working group included staff, faculty, students, alumni and members of the local
business community. The group toured other entrepreneurship centres, reviewed reports by the Council of Ontario Universities,
the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario and other bodies, and engaged local experts in discussion. The working group’s
final report in September 2014 recommended an extracurricular student entrepreneurship program that would address the needs
of both commercial start-ups and social entrepreneurship, and the establishment of an entrepreneurship education/ideation
centre. This new centre, called the Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre, would be anchored in a desire to inspire and
support student entrepreneurs in particular, helping them address the pressing socio-economic needs of our region. The Centre
would be designed to equip students with skills that would allow them to contribute to the prosperity of Ontario and Canada.
Architect’s visualization of future space
12 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
The plans for the Entrepreneurship Centre are based on a partnership model which leverages existing networks, expertise, and
assets in surrounding communities of entrepreneurs, investors and organizations. Locating the centre on the 2nd floor of the
Bata Cluster will address the biggest challenge identified by the working group: exposing as many Trent students as possible
to extracurricular programming that teaches social and commercial innovation and entrepreneurship. As a gathering place for
Trent’s students, the library location will meet this critical need, facilitating impromptu exposure to entrepreneurism for students
across all disciplines, as it promotes events and cross-department programming.
Fostering the development of a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship at Trent, the Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre will
support faculty who incorporate principles of entrepreneurship in their courses; provide experiential and co-curricular learning
opportunities for students; and create access to mentorship, partnership, resources, and funding opportunities to enable and
grow student-led initiatives, start-ups and change projects. The Centre will help innovators at Trent commercialize their ideas. The
Centre will provide students with resources and support that will help them transition successfully to the workforce. The University
will make the Centre available to Trent alumni and community members who wish to explore entrepreneurship as a career and
access support for their business and innovation ideas. As the City of Peterborough pursues a plan to focus on entrepreneurship
to spur economic development, the Centre will actively engage the local community in entrepreneurship initiatives.
Activities of the Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation CentreThe activities of the Centre will build on Trent’s current
initiatives and partnerships that support entrepreneurship
and innovation, making them available to many more
students. They include:
• FastStart – a youth entrepreneurship program funded
by the Ontario Centres of Excellence, delivered
through the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster
and administered by the Trent Office of Research in
partnership with Fleming College, University of Ontario
Institute of Technology, and Durham College;
• Entrepreneurship Society – a new student club at
Trent focussed on mentorship, guidance and support
of young aspiring entrepreneurs;
• Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster – a
partnership among Trent University, Fleming
College and the Peterborough Region Angels
Network that supports innovation, entrepreneurship,
commercialization, and start-ups;
• The Cube – a business incubator located at Trent
University in partnership with the Greater Peterborough
Innovation Cluster and that is designed to be a “one-
stop-shop” to help start-up technology companies find
their best path to market by linking together talented
people, ideas, resources and know-how;
• Kawartha Backcountry Entrepreneurship Experience
– a transformative FastStart initiative that combines
survival wilderness training with programming on how
to start a business;
• Trent Business Council – a committee of community
business leaders and Trent University faculty and staff
that connects our business students to the community,
provides internship opportunities and brings business
leaders into the classroom for real-world learning;
Architect’s visualization of future space
13TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
• Trent Alumni Association Mentorship Program – a program that connects students with alumni mentors across all fields
and sectors;
• Junior Achievement of Canada – a two-year partnership that includes hosting the Next Generation Leadership Forum at
Trent University where young entrepreneurs from around the world attend workshops led by faculty from Trent University’s
Business Administration and Masters in Sustainability Studies programs, as well as local entrepreneurs.
Benefits of the Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre for Students, Faculty and the Local and Regional Communities
• The leverage and growth of existing networks of investors, alumni, mentors and other community assets
• New enterprises contributing to economic prosperity and social development in the Peterborough region and beyond
• An expanding pipeline of investment-ready entrepreneurs
• Student participation in extracurricular activities that build leadership, organization, and communication skills
• Much-needed study space and a gathering place for students
• Collaboration among students, faculty and others in disparate disciplines
• Promotion of entrepreneurship as a career
• Support for youth and others who wish to develop the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur and change agent
• Alignment with Ontario’s existing investments in innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship, as well as the
surrounding community of entrepreneurs, investors and businesses
Table 1. Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre Outcomes
Expected Partners at Trent Office of Research, Student Transitions & Career Centre; Trent Business Council; Community Relations &
Advancement; Alumni Affairs; First Peoples House of Learning, Business Administration Department; School
of the Environment; Masters in Sustainability Studies program; the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society; Trent
Library and Archives; Bata Cluster Centres
Potential Partners External to Trent Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs; Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster; our three FastStart partners
(Fleming College, UOIT, and Durham College); Peterborough Economic Development; the Spark Centre;
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce; Start-up Peterborough; the Peterborough Regional Angel Network;
Junior Achievement; Lakefield College Entrepreneurship Club; Futurpreneur/CFDC
Goals
• Targeting creation of 10 new companies per year
• Targeting information and awareness reach to at least 1,000 students annually (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook followers)
• Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Architect’s visualization of future space
TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
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2.2 Educational Research Design Studio
Executive Summary:
The Educational Research Design Studio will be a new state-of-the-art research laboratory where faculty, students and partners can
co-design research projects on learning, training, and innovation, producing programs, learning aids and technological innovations.
The location of the Design Studio within the Bata Cluster will allow it to complement the research activities in other parts of the
Cluster, providing training and teaching that will enrich the work of students, faculty and collaborators and/or use it as the basis for
educational design. Table 2 summarizes the current partners, student involvement, and major outcomes for the Centre.
The Bata Cluster will include a highly-visible educational research design studio – a space within the Bata Library that offers all
students, innovators, teachers, and partners a place to research and design projects aimed at improving learning and developing
marketable curriculum products. Instructors will be able to use the studio with the support of knowledgeable staff and
colleagues. They will be invited to undertake research on curriculum design and training pedagogies with an eye toward novel
and transformative educational change.
Architect’s visualization of future space
15TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
The Educational Research Design Studio will be an active research environment where faculty and students can collaboratively
pursue research projects about teaching and learning. In this way, the Studio will aim to be a radical and constructive space
for developing best practices. Illustrative examples of research and development within the Educational Research Design
studio would include:
i. Professors in the Trent Physics department are developing a scaffolding method which can support students and others,
guiding their thinking, not only in the classroom, but in testing contexts as well. The method employs an answer system which
provides the user with feedback at each stage of their problem solving. The research team would like to digitize the method
and apply it across disciplines and institutions. Industry partners such as Desire2Learn have expressed interest. Furthering
the development of the method requires collaboration space that is not specific to physics teaching. The Bata Educational
Research Design Studio will house the project and support the professors, furthering product development and testing.
ii. The Design Studio will be a space where Trent brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars to develop new
curriculum that responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations and calls to action. The infusion of
Indigenous Knowledge across the University will include teaching about treaties, residential schools, youth and marginalized
women, languages, economic and legal contexts, racism and storytelling as core Knowledge. This endeavour will aim to
include Indigenous Knowledge in a full range of disciplines including the sciences, humanities, education, business and
nursing. The curriculum in the Design Studio will be field tested in pilot studies, and then refined. It will be a key component
of education at Trent, but also beyond Trent, through resource and curriculum distribution.
To best further these and other projects, the Design Studio will be equipped with a state of the art research laboratory with
Interactive high-tech and low tech whiteboards, modular furniture, SmartKapps, assistive devices that support all learners
(including SmartPens and touch screens), video equipment in a video suite, and computers for researching (recording, viewing
and analyzing) teaching innovations.
Table 2. Educational Research Design Studio Outcomes
Expected Partners at Trent Faculty across departments, programs and disciplines; the First Peoples House of Learning; the Centre for
Teaching & Learning; Deans; Trent alumni; Award winning faculty at Trent; Experiential Learning Coordinator;
Trent Library and Archives; Bata Cluster Centres
Potential Partners External to Trent Desire2Learn; Blackboard or other Learning Management Systems; industry partners; other University faculty
and departments; LearnStyle; curriculum publishing houses; Trent Community Research Centre
Students involved Up to 8,000 University students within Trent University will benefit from the pedagogies, tools and technological
innovations developed; broader efforts working with partner institutions may lead to many more students
across the system that benefit from curriculum and pedagogy research and developments
Goals
• Annual summer teaching development program to rejuvenate teachers through a refresh program, introduction to new pedagogical practices,
and revamping of course syllabi (open to Trent faculty and once proof-of-concept is in place, open to Ontario teachers and faculty, and eventually
Canada-wide); facilitated by the Centre for Teaching & Learning and housed in the Design Studio
• Development, testing and marketing of Indigenous curriculum and pedagogy (print and non-print dynamic curriculum tool development in the
Design Studio)
• Work on policies on tertiary education curriculum informed/changed/modified to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge and ways of knowing
• Initiation of at least two interdisciplinary and intergenerational projects each year on innovative curriculum design, research and implementation (in
conjunction with the research centres of the Bata hub and community partners in secondary schools and community care facilities for seniors)
• Knowledge development on innovative pedagogies in tertiary education through fellowship research programs
• Design, development, and validation of novel physical and virtual learning products
• Dedicated web space on best-teaching practices including video clips of these practices in action
• Web-based knowledge mobilization of research findings for wide dissemination in scholarly, popular and market literature
• Partnerships that will allow us to combine our efforts with those of at least five partner institutions
16 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.3 Trent Community Research Centre
Executive Summary:
Trent University partners with the Trent Community Research Centre, a globally-recognized collaboration working with faculty
and students to create innovative solutions to research questions identified by local non-profit community organizations,
government agencies and social enterprises. Students receive academic credit and on-the-job experience while performing
research in a community setting. The projects undertaken promote social and economic development in the local community,
and a culture of social engagement, entrepreneurship and innovation. Relocating the principal office of the Trent Community
Research Centre within the Bata Cluster and in close proximity to other research centres will allow it to expand its operations to
include more students, agencies and host organizations, and to develop a greater range of projects and collaborations. Table 3
summarizes some of the current partners, students affected, and major outcomes for the Centre.
The Trent Community Research Centre, formerly known as the Trent Centre for Community Based Education, was established
in 1996. It operates as a non-profit corporation with a separate Board of Directors and staff. Funding is provided through a
partnership agreement with Trent University and funding arrangements for specific research projects. The focus of the Centre
has been work with community agencies to identify
and develop research projects that serve agency and
community needs. Students complete academically-
rigorous research projects under the supervision
of Trent faculty and the Centre’s own coordination
staff. This model supports the community and
provides meaningful experiential learning for senior
undergraduate and graduate students who learn how to
apply their research skills and knowledge to community
development. In the process, students gain academic
credit and on-the-job experience. Once completed,
projects are presented to the community agency.
The Community Research Centre oversees many
different kinds of projects. A Trent undergraduate student
may conduct a discrete research project for credit,
focusing on a particular problem for a single agency or
work with a local collaborator. Teams of undergraduate
students may work on short-term or long-term research
tasks co-ordinated by the Centre staff. A team of
undergraduate and graduate students may participate in
a faculty research program connected to a multi-year,
funded project. The Trent Community Research Centre
supports collaboration with employers, community
partners and regions to foster social and economic
development, promote a culture of social engagement,
entrepreneurship, and provide opportunities for work-
integrated and blended learning environments.
This Centre already boasts a wide range of projects in
the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, with a
particular emphasis on culture, healthy communities,
the environment and sustainability. Notable recent
projects include: a partnership with Peterborough-
Lakefield Police Victims Services to research the
17TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
development of a volunteer program; a review of local youth programming needs and services in the Peterborough Community;
an analysis of the effectiveness of two social housing grant programs in the City of Peterborough; and a project to prepare local
environmental groups for the arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer.
In relocating the principal office of the Trent Community Research Centre to the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster a greater
proportion of Trent students will have opportunities to engage in community-based research and community engagement in
a way that allows for a greater diversity of projects. The Centre’s proximity to other research centres in the Bata Cluster will
generate additional research questions and opportunities and collaborations. Access to technology and other types of research
practices will enhance Trent’s role as a leader in experiential education and community-focussed research.
Table 3. Trent Community Research Centre Outcomes
Expected Partners at Trent Departments and Schools at Trent; Bata Cluster Centres
Potential Partners External to Trent U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research in Haliburton County; Peterborough Local Community
Advisory Committee (CBR Peterborough) in Peterborough City and County; Greater Peterborough Chamber
of Commerce; Peterborough GreenUp; Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement; Regional
Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committee; Peterborough City and County Health Unit; Ministry of
Natural Resources; New Canadians Centre, Peterborough; Community Based Research Canada
Students involved directly In 2014/15, 60 projects were completed, (including individual, team and course projects), involving 245
students, 37 host community organizations, 17 faculty members and eight academic departments
Students involved more broadly We anticipate that the Bata space will double the number of students currently impacted, increasing
community research and development partnerships and experiences.
Goals
• Increased student research projects that respond to community needs
• Broadened interest in community campus engagement
• Trent will continue to be a leader in community-focussed and community-based research
• More community-based research and community engagement opportunities available to a greater proportion of the Trent students
• Strong pathways from service learning opportunities in the early years of University
• Community focussed undergraduate research, graduate theses, and dissertation work
• Establish pathways from successful undergraduate community based research work to graduate study at Trent and elsewhere
• Develop better follow-up and reporting on community based research to establish the case for employment and community benefits
• Enhance community liaison work
18 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.4 MakerSpace & Public Ideation Area
The MakerSpace and Public Ideation Area in the Bata Research &
Innovation Cluster will form a new creative commons which brings
together, students, collaborators and innovators to discuss ideas and
conceivable solutions to critical issues impacting our community, our
country and the world. As open-concept, welcoming spaces, they
will be the first point of contact for anyone entering the cluster. These
spaces will invite both Trent and external community members to stroll
through, spontaneously converse, or settle in at ad-hoc workspace such
as: stand-up bars, couches, modular tables, and drawing board pods.
As a central open area it is intended to be a hive of interaction which
physically transitions naturally into the more specialized, surrounding
zones including: the Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre,
Educational Research Design Studio, Trent Community Research
Centre, and Service Point. As such, the MakerSpace and Public Ideation
Area will make these zones a unified whole and channel developing
activities to more specialized areas as they naturally progress.
Conversely, these spaces will facilitate spill-out activity from these other
zones as larger groups may want to convene discussions in spaces
more conducive to animated, louder or larger group discussions.
Architect’s visualization of future space
Architect’s visualization of future space
19TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.5 Service Point
Executive Summary:
Located on the 2nd floor of the Bata Library, the Service Point will be staffed by a user support team of full-time expert staff and
trained student assistants. This will be a new service area for users seeking general information, customized research assistance,
or Information Technology support. The organization of the service point will be based upon Trent’s current, successful
integrated Information Technology/Library service desk model, which works extremely well. Service Point staff will be trained to
refer users to the different research centres and learning support units nested within the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster (or
elsewhere on campus, as appropriate). The three components of the service points – Information Technology, Library Research
Service, and Career Service – are described below.
Information TechnologyThe Information Technology (IT) Service Desk will be staffed by a team of service
technicians that provide technical support for IT issues. A service request can be
initiated in-person, by phone, online request form or email. As part of the Service
Point for the Bata Cluster, the IT service desk will provide the following services:
1. Student Computing Support: Students and other cluster users will be able
to access assistance with Trent-supported software, wireless connectivity,
advice on virus and spyware removal, and basic hardware diagnostics.
Remote desktop support is also available to assist in troubleshooting
problems, accessing Trent-hosted web applications such as the student
portal - myTrent, and related services such as the LearningSystem and
Academic Record.
2. Faculty and Staff Support: IT Services will provide additional technical
support for faculty and staff and users of Trent-supported software. This
will include automated software installation of Trent’s standard operating
system, which includes Windows 7, Microsoft Office, Anti-virus, and Novell
network client.
3. Classroom/Lab/Public Computing Space Support: Service Desk staff will
provide the first line of support for any classroom, lab, or public computing
space technology issue. Faculty and staff have access to a classroom
emergency line that would allow them to reach the service desk for quick
troubleshooting or dispatch of a technician.
4. Loaner Equipment: A variety of multimedia equipment will be available to support projects and special events. Such
equipment includes but is not limited to digital video cameras, tripods, data projectors, laptops, conference phones,
loudspeakers, wireless microphones and web cameras.
Library Research ServiceThe location of the Research Cluster in the Bata Library building will allow support from the library in a way that melds together
library research and innovation services. Highly-trained library staff will be available at the Service Point to provide library
research information and reference support that can play a vital role in the work of researchers and innovators working in the
Bata Cluster. Trent’s professional librarians will provide in-depth research support; outreach to faculty, researchers and students;
instruction in the discovery and use of scholarly research information; and assistance with research data management and
curation, spatial data management, data reproduction and visualization, etc.
Career ServicesTrent’s Career Services is interested in playing a role in the new organization of two floors of the Bata Library. It plans to hold
events and make career information available to students working in the Entrepreneurship Centre. It will use the Service Point as
a contact point where it can interact with students interested in learning more about careers.
Architect’s visualization of future space
1. Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre
In partnership with the private and public sector,
investigates critical chemical and physical environmental
issues of high global and Canadian interest
2. Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre
Working to address Indigenous environmental and
sustainability issues
3. Trent Centre For Aging & Society
Promoting community initiatives and enterprises on aging
4. Visualization & Creativity Lab
Projects on visual data, visualization, augmented reality
and visual learning structures
5. Training & Discourse Room
Shared space, fully equipped with AV & Media used for
workshop/training, with flexible configurations for up to
40 people
20 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
COMPONENT B of the Bata Cluster
Component B on the third floor of the Bata Library brings together four centres (Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre,
Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre, Trent Centre for Aging & Society, Visualization & Creativity Lab) as well as a
Training & Discourse Room. We discuss them each in more detail below.
3
2
1
54
AtriumGreen Wall
CEMC
TCAS
IESRC
TDR
VCL
21TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.6 Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre
Executive Summary:
One of the greatest concerns about climate change and the movement of chemical toxins is the high degree of uncertainty that
characterizes their likely impacts on populations and ecosystems. This has created an urgent need for predictive environmental
modelling. Trent’s Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre has a role to play in meeting this need. Its move to the Bata Cluster
will provide ready access to key High Performance Computing & Data Analytics. These benefits will improve the capacity,
efficiency and effectiveness of model development, including modelling that addresses the movement of toxic and climate
change chemicals and compounds. Proximity to the Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre will enhance the
Modelling Centre, allowing them to work collaboratively on the impacts on Indigenous communities. Table 4 summarizes the
current partners, student involvement, and major outcomes for the Centre.
The Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre focusses on multi-disciplinary research and model development across the
Sciences and Social Sciences. It is affiliated with three graduate programs – Environment & Life Sciences, Applications for
Modelling, and Sustainability Studies. The work of the Centre has evolved from its outstanding, internationally-acclaimed
research on the tracking of chemical compounds in the environment (“the Mackay models”) to a broader focus on the interface
of human & industry impacts on ecosystems. This Centre’s connection to Trent’s CFI-sponsored micro-environment laboratories
allows a verification of researcher-computer generated models with field simulations of conditions that replicate predicted
future climate change impacts on air, water and soil in local ecosystems. The Strategic Investment Fund infrastructure funding
will elevate the Centre’s ability to access high-performance computing capacity and to participate in cross disciplinary research
activities, enabling knowledge mobilization to all Trent students, and to Canadian and international audiences.
22 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
Environmental Modelling at Trent University: Its Historic Role, National & Global SignificanceThe Canadian Environmental Protection Act, (CEPA 1999) is aimed at preventing pollution and protecting the environment and
human health. It is administered jointly by Environment Canada and Health Canada. The Act contains specific requirements for
the assessment and management of chemical substances in our aquatic ecosystem. There are literally hundreds of thousands
of commercial chemicals in use, with thousands of new commercial chemicals appearing each year. The result is synthetic
chemical pollutants that are used in everyday life and ultimately enter the natural environment. These chemicals can have a
spectrum of consequences ranging from benign effects to complete toxicity.
Some of these chemicals have accumulated at alarming rates in
living organisms and are directly toxic to life. Others may result in
climate change or acidification of lakes. Chemicals may impact
the local environment while others may be transported many
thousands of kilometres to pristine remote regions such as the
Canadian High Arctic, harming our Indigenous populations. The
laboratory assessment of all these diverse chemical types and
their environmental impact is not feasible. For these reasons,
government agencies and industry alike have turned to the power of
computation-based, chemical-environmental modelling to assess
environmental risk potential.
For over two decades Trent University has housed an internationally-
renowned Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre which serves
as the central hub of an international network - the Network
of Environmental Modelling Centres. The Centre has routinely
partnered with Provincial and Federal Government agencies
including Environment and Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of
the Environment, as well as with international agencies including the
US environmental protection agency and European agencies.
Trent’s Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre has also collaborated with many high-profile national and international
companies including 3M, DuPont, Exxon-Mobile, Esso, P&G and Unilever. Through these collaborations it created many
computer-based models that are open to the public through dissemination via Trent’s website. These models have been
downloaded in over 150 countries and are used both as educational tools and as tools for governments and industry for risk
assessment. While showing great success, the models and methodologies are but a tip of the iceberg required for risk assessing
all types of chemicals entering into our environment.
The Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre ApproachTrent’s Centre has existed within and grown largely from the foundations of chemical engineering, mathematical modelling and
environmental sciences. It is now recognized that the attempt to understand and develop models of the environment requires
a much larger, integrated and holistic multidisciplinary approach which involves, not only the sciences, but the sciences and the
humanities. The future and evolution for modelling must involve growth in numerous areas and integrate more disciplines. An
example that can illustrate this evolution is the attempt to fully understand the movement and ultimate fate of a pharmaceutical
chemical which enters into the aqueous environment, is then exposed to sunlight and weathering, and is ingested by a fish. To
produce a computer-based model for such a chemical requires the collaborative efforts and expertize of no less than a chemist,
a fish biologist, a hydrologist, a mathematician, a computer scientist, a physicist, and a geographer. Understanding the impact
of the results and the ethics of how to deal with them - with regard to risk and how to advise the public - requires further
collaboration among scientists and social scientists, philosophers as so forth. The new Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will
allow Trent to bring together this diverse sets of scholars, building on Trent’s strategic development of collaboration between
experimentalists and theoretical modellers. At Trent, our analytical facilities have already integrated experimental work into the
fabric of model design and testing.
23TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
Trent’s Current Experimental Facilities for Model Design and Testing
1. A complete development of an atmospheric chamber facility (capable of looking at smog events, acid rain, climate change etc.)
2. Micro-environment facilities that allow the controlled study of the effect of chemicals in a real-world environment
3. A wind tunnel facility designed to measure and model the transport of pollutants on particles in our air
4. A world-class mass spectrometry chemical analysis facility
The Bata Cluster will be a centralizing home for the Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre to access the computational
power required to realize the multidisciplinary environmental models of the future. These models will allow the theoretical
predication of chemical
behaviour to be computed and
combine it with and integrated
experimental network for
validation. A consolidating
multi- and inter-disciplinary-
based modelling centre of this
nature, fusing theorists and
experimentalists, would be a
first for Canada and would lead
the way internationally on the
development of environmental
risk assessment tools required for
chemical development. One of
the many benefits that will stem
from this novel approach is work
with industry which will allow
the Centre to design and create
chemicals with the least possible
environmental impact.
Table 4. Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre Outcomes
Expected Partners at Trent • Graduate programs – Environment & Life Sciences (PhD, MSc); Applications in Modelling (MSc and MA);
Sustainability Studies (MA)
• Research Centres – the Trent Water Quality Centre; the Institute of Watershed Sciences; the Trent Micro-
environment Laboratories; the Trent Centre for Biomaterials research; Indigenous Environmental Studies
Research Centre
• Faculties – Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous
Environmental Studies
Potential Partners External to Trent • Industry – Unileverl 3Ml Procter & Gamble; Dow Chemical; Imperial Oil/Exxon/Mobil; BAS;Dupont Canada;
Mills Consulting
• Associations – Canadian Network of Toxicology centres; Chlorine Chemistry Council; Canadian Chemical
Producers Association; Canadian Chlorine Chemistry Council; International Life Sciences Institute/Health &
Environmental Sciences Institute; CEPA; American Chemistry Council
• Government – Health Canada; Environment Canada; Indigenous & Northern Affairs Canada; Ontario
Ministry of the Environment
Goals
• Dissemination of findings (3 x per year) through the Canadian Environmental Network news bulletins
• Assessment of a minimum of 250 new chemical compounds per year – information published into public domain
• Development of an annual carbon modelling and management symposium
TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
24
2.7 Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre
Executive Summary:
The Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre is the only research centre of its kind in Canada, and only one of a
handful in the world. This new Centre aims to play a crucial role in the creation of healthy, sustainable Indigenous communities.
Its research role includes environmental protection, responsible resource development leading to community economic
development, inter-cultural understanding, and social innovations that will improve the health and education for Indigenous
residents in rural and remote communities. The Bata Cluster location will help ensure that Trent students, faculty, staff and
visitors are actively involved in critical issues impacting Indigenous communities. Table 5 summarizes the current partners,
student involvement, and major outcomes for the Centre.
The Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre is a unique marriage of western science and Indigenous traditional
knowledge which focusses on environmental changes and their impacts on communities. One focus is the environmental
impact to human health, especially in Canada’s far northern and Arctic communities. The faculty research has a broad and
powerful inter-disciplinary reach, reflected in funding from each of Canada’s Tri-Council agencies (NSERC, SSHERC, CIHR). One
of the applied research projects is the development of a comprehensive “Duty to Consult & Accommodate” program which
brings together leaders and elders in Indigenous communities with executives from the resource, mining and energy sectors.
This policy link between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities addresses an area in which a broad lack of expertise has
stalled economic development linked to resource extraction in areas such as the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario.
The Centre’s valuable expertise grew naturally from Trent University’s longstanding relationship with the Indigenous community
in Canada and is a centrepiece of its mandate and of its history: over 50 years ago, the Mississaugas of Curve Lake First Nation
blessed the lands where the Bata Library is situated on the Otonabee River. In 1969, Trent was the first University in Canada to
introduce an Indigenous Studies undergraduate degree and 30 years later, in 1999, Trent introduced Canada’s first PhD program
in Indigenous Studies. Today, Trent is the only Canadian University with an Indigenous Environmental Studies program. The
Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre will have a cross-cultural heritage impact: it will facilitate ongoing dialogue
across cultures, and age groups, and since the 1970s the programs have supported research and study on Indigenous societies,
including the development of an Indigenous Studies collection that focusses on all aspects of the history and culture of the
world’s Indigenous peoples.
25TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
The Bata Library is home to an earlier nascent, small,
dedicated space supporting Indigenous studies. In the
mid-1990s, the Library, in close collaboration with Trent’s
Department of Indigenous Studies, created a discrete space
to house the special collections and selected artefacts
pertaining to Indigenous Studies. This area, which overlooks
the Otonabee River, is located on the third floor of the
Bata Library. It not only uses a tepee-like fixture to divide
the space from the general stacks and study space, but
also contains clever built-in shelves to house a part of the
Indigenous Studies research collection, and space for storing
archival documents related to Indigenous Knowledge.
However, the Indigenous Environmental Studies Research
space has grown significantly and currently has no true
research home. It needs a dedicated fully-fledged suite to
provide a research focus for its members, where it can fully
benefit from interaction with the Canadian Environmental
Modelling Centre (impact of industrial airborne
contaminants, heavy metals etc.), the Trent Centre for Aging
& Society (role of elders, aging and demographic impact), and with resources such as the Training & Discourse Room and High
Performance Computing & Data Analytics.
The new Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre will be constructed in consultation with Indigenous communities.
It will face eastward to directly overlook Enweying/Peter Gzowski College on the east bank of the Otonabee River. Currently
occupying 770 sq. ft., the Indigenous study space in the Bata Library will be expanded and converted into a research innovation
space supporting innovation and applied research in Indigenous environmental studies, as well as other relevant research
initiatives. Locating the Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre in the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will not
only promote interdisciplinary research but also knowledge mobilization of this research to Indigenous communities, industry
and the general public.
Table 5. Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre Outcomes
Expected Partners at Trent Department of Indigenous Studies; School of the Environment; the Business Administration Department; the
First Peoples House of Learning; the Kawartha World Issues Centre; the Indigenous Studies PhD program; the
Frost Centre; the Masters in Sustainability Studies graduate program; the Environment & Life Sciences graduate
program; Aboriginal Education Council at Trent University; the School of Nursing; the School of Education &
Professional Learning; Bata Cluster Centres
Potential Partners External to Trent Within the Mississauga territory - Curve Lake First Nation; Hiawatha First Nation; Alderville First Nation;
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation; Haudenosaunee First Nations; the Assembly of First Nations; the
Chiefs of Ontario; Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment; Canadian Centre for Indigenous Environmental
Resources; Indigenous Environmental Network; National Aboriginal Forestry Association; First Nations
Environmental Network; National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association; Peterborough Green-Up; Cambium
Aboriginal Inc., Cambium Environmental Inc; Metis Nation of Ontario; Peterborough and District Wapiti
Metis Council; the Aboriginal Health Research Networks-Nasivvik Centre for Inuit health and changing
environments; Indigenous Health Mentorship Network
Students involved directly 100 with research projects – undergraduate and graduate
Students involved more broadly 400 – engaged in seminars and attending guest lectures and experiential research opportunities
Goals
• 2017 Introduction of the Duty to Consult & Accommodate program
• A total of 50 researchers in the Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre (graduate students, research associates, faculty)
• Sustainability of the Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS) youth outreach initiative
• Partnership with the nine Matawa First Nations, Confederation College and Fleming College on environmental assessment education
(and education & training on environmental assessment & monitoring jobs training related to future Ring of Fire developments)
26 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.8 Trent Centre for Aging & Society
Executive Summary:
The Trent Centre for Aging & Society has a well-established reputation for its work in three areas: (i) the social determinants of
health, and the root causes of detrimental health conditions which may accompany aging; (ii) seniors potential contributions to
healthy, sustainable communities (with a positive focus on the value that seniors contribute); and (iii) partnerships which support
aging. Locating the Centre in the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will enhance it by attracting the attention of internal and
external stakeholders, and its proximity to the Public Ideation Area and the Entrepreneurship Centre will inspire opportunities
for creating new social enterprises that serve senior markets. Also, locating close to the Indigenous Environmental Studies
Research Centre will allow the study of policies and practices relevant to demographic advantages/challenges for Indigenous
communities. Table 6 summarizes the current partners, student involvement, and major outcomes for the Centre.
In a very short time, Trent University has become a recognized global leader in interdisciplinary aging studies (critical gerontology)
and a vital source of leadership and social and economic capacity building around aging issues in the Peterborough region. The
prominent location of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society within the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will enhance these
strengths and advance the outreach potential for applied aging research in Peterborough, across Ontario and Canada.
Creating supportive environments for healthy aging is a crucial 21st century challenge for communities across Canada.
Leveraging its strategic location in one of the country’s most rapidly aging communities and its second largest retirement
destination, Trent University’s Centre for Aging & Society represents a new strategic direction tied to pressing demographic
change, which demands innovative, rigorous, solution-oriented research. Drawing on Trent’s stellar emphasis on interdisciplinary
studies and innovations in community-based research and teaching (linking to the Trent Community Research Centre), the
Trent Centre for Aging & Society was established to address the challenges and opportunities facing older people and aging
communities in the Peterborough region and beyond. By engaging faculty, students, older residents and community leaders
the Centre brings a critical perspective to debates about our aging society and a much needed intergenerational perspective to
research, learning and innovation.
Attracting leading University scholars from across Trent’s humanities, social sciences and professional programs like business
and nursing, the Trent Centre for Aging & Society draws together an interdisciplinary team of more than 30 faculty, students and
community stakeholders to do what no other centre can do: build meaningful dialogue and seed innovative changes that take
into account the diversity of experiences of older people to debunk the myths about aging, old age and older people.
27TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
The Bata Cluster provides an opportunity to develop linkages with new partners and enhance the work of the Centre and
bolster Trent’s impact in the community. Sharing collaborative space with the Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre and
Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre will lead to new ways of interdisciplinary thinking about pressing societal
issues, including the policy implications of Canada’s aging population. Strong linkages will also develop with the Educational
Research Design Studio and Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre, where the Trent Centre for Aging & Society will
contribute to intergenerational training and mentorship opportunities via its commitment to bringing older residents to Trent
campus. Entrepreneurship and commercialization would take on an intergenerational dimension (i.e. mentorships as well as
new career paths for older workers) with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society acting as facilitator. In addition, the very nature of
the Visualization & Creativity Lab and High Performance Computing & Data Analytics infrastructure lend themselves to obvious
synergies with Trent’s aging studies researchers engaged with arts-based approaches, such as media and film, and with statistical
approaches to population demography.
Trent Centre for Aging & Society will contribute to the broader vision of Bata Library as the hub of University life. As part of a
cluster of research centres, the Trent Centre for Aging & Society would draw a new generation of people to the University – older
people – as well as those who care about them. This would add a fresh dimension of diversity to a transformed Bata Library
designed to facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas within the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster, and would further imbed Trent
University at the centre of critical debate and knowledge mobilization in the community. It would also highlight Peterborough as a
community that tackles aging issues seriously and creatively, and offers other communities a model to follow.
Table 6. Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS) Outcomes
Expected Partners at Trent Undergraduate programs in Humanities, Social Sciences, School for the Study of Canada, School of the
Environment, School of Education and School of Nursing; Graduate programs in Canadian Studies and
Indigenous Studies, English (Public Texts), Psychology and Sustainability Studies; Bata Cluster Centres –
Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre; Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Centre; Frost Centre
for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies; Trent Community Research Centre; Administrative units: School
of Graduate Studies, Office of Advancement and External Relations, Office of Research
Potential Partners External to Trent Peterborough Council on Aging; Age-Friendly Peterborough; Peterborough municipalities (city, county,
townships); healthcare institutions and agencies (regional hospital, health unit, regional health authority); seniors
service providers (community care); community development partners; national research partners (Canadian
Association on Gerontology, McMaster University Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, York University Centre for
Aging Education and Research); international research partners (North American Network for Aging Studies, Irish
Centre for Social Gerontology, La Trobe University John Richards Initiative); international visiting scholars
Students involved 200+ students enrolled in – Aging Studies Emphasis Program, team-taught interdisciplinary courses on
critical aging studies; community-based placements with Age-friendly Peterborough; graduate supervision in
humanities and social science programs (Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Sustainability
Studies); and professional certificate programs in Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention.
More broadly, up to 8,000 University students within Trent University will benefit from interdisciplinary
curriculum development in critical aging studies and outreach opportunities to provide service-learning
experiences and professional certifications with partner agencies and organizations in the region
Goals
• Dedicated space for collaborative partnerships among faculty, students and community members
• The Bata Research & Innovation Cluster “living laboratory” for community-based outreach with older residents
• Enhanced opportunities for intergenerational leadership and innovation on campus
• Aging studies emphasis, community placement opportunities and professional certificate program
• New research funding via CIHR and SSHRC operating, connections and partnership grant programs
• Hosting international conference of North American Network for Aging Studies
• New partnerships with national, provincial and local stakeholders
• Pilot study of National Ballet of Canada seniors outreach program
• Development and implementation of Age-Friendly Peterborough plan
• Hosting symposium on age-friendly planning for Trent’s proposed sustainable village
• Hosting annual Peterborough Council on Aging Seniors Summits
28 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.9 Visualization & Creativity Lab
Executive Summary: The new Visualization & Creativity Lab will enhance the emerging focus on visualization among Trent
researchers who continue to develop new ways of analyzing visual images, geometric transformations, perspective taking,
creative thinking, data analytics, computer gaming and film visualization, and the study of their effects on users. The Lab will
work within the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster to advance human connections with the visual, and facilitate interactions
among researchers, students and collaborators across all the centres situated in the Cluster. Table 7 summarizes the current
partners, student involvement, and major outcomes for the Centre.
The rise of digital communication and an extraordinary
explosion of data on almost everything have
made images and visual depictions (photographs,
diagrams, video, maps, data visualization, etc.) an
increasingly pervasive feature of the ways in which we
communicate; so much so that many have proclaimed
a move from a print culture to a visual culture. Further
steps in this direction will accompany the development
of more sophisticated forms of images, virtual reality,
and powerful visual learning aids.
Recent findings on the importance of visual-spatial
reasoning support the idea that innovative research
and study of the visual will play a key role in future
social and economic developments. In particular, they
will highlight the development of new approaches
to spatial reasoning and visual communication and
learning. Trent’s Visualization & Creativity Lab will
include state-of-the-art visual technology (including
immersive visualization spaces) and will provide an environment that allows researchers to study, explore, develop and
commercialize visual phenomena (for a myriad of purposes, including planning, policy development, entertainment, teaching
and learning, mathematical reasoning, creative thinking, data analysis and storytelling).
Fundamental research in the Visualization & Creativity Lab will include the development of ways of analyzing visual images,
geometric transformations, perspective taking, creative thinking, data analytics, computer gaming and film visualization, and
the study of their effects on users. Students and faculty will collaborate to deconstruct and reconstruct human interaction
with the visual, and to further its importance in communication of all sorts, and its use for economic and social purposes. The
Lab will work with other research centres in the Bata cluster, and be available to researchers, students and others using the
Entrepreneurship Centre.
Required Equipment for Visualization & Creativity Lab
• Virtual reality studio and eye tracking equipment
• Computers with video editing suite and graphics software as well
as video gaming and sketchpad software
• Research software including SPSS and NVivo
• Flexible collaboration space with moveable and varied furniture
• Range of arts-based materials
• Audio and video recording equipment Interactive
whiteboards and tablets
• Fixed large display screen data wall
• Electrical and IT upgrades
• Large write and draw-abled surfaces
• 3D printer
29TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
The Visualization & Creativity Lab will foster and enhance an emerging focus
on visualization among Trent researchers. A number of significant projects
are already underway. Trent Forensics faculty, students and members of the
Centre for Teaching & Learning are, for example, developing a synthetic
blood that is colour-coded for the construction and deconstruction of crime
scenes for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. This product could reduce the need
to use real blood in training, teaching, and analysing the forensic techniques
for the analysis of blood splatter. Forensic blood substitutes offer a range of
advantages over the use of human or animal blood including, but not limited
to, increased storage life, known and reproducible physical properties,
minimized health and safety risks, decreased material and shipping costs,
and applications for improved pedagogy.
The development of synthetic blood requires visual analysis because a
successful synthetic blood must produce visual patterns that match those
made by real blood. The Visualization & Creativity Lab would support and
facilitate related research and materials production by allowing researchers
to study and test, in a detailed way, such patterns in the case of real and
synthetic blood. (The image to the right shows impact patterns created
with the new forensic blood substitute. In white light, the impacts look the
same colour. In dark light or UV conditions, one can see that each impact
pattern was created with forensic blood substitute that has a different
phosphofluorescent filler included in its formulation.)
Other visualization is being carried out in Education, where researchers are investigating the use of and impact of spatial reasoning
on learning in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) fields. An emerging consensus highlights spatial
thinking as fundamental to school and career success. Researchers in the Trent Mathematics Education Research Collaborative
are studying the role of spatial reasoning, including mental rotations, perspective taking, coding and mapping in learning. One
project involves the design and testing of a new three-dimensional mental rotation task for assessing the use and effects of
mental rotations on learning. Performance on the measure has been highly related to success on a measure of 2D mental
rotation, and proved predictive of arithmetic skills. The ability to perform tests using virtual reality technologies would advance the
current federally-funded research program in a way that may ultimately produce new learning technologies and practices.
Table 7. Visualization & Creativity Lab
Expected Partners at Trent A multidisciplinary group of faculty and groups have already expressed interest in the use of the lab: Forensics,
Education, Philosophy, English i.e. faculty, staff and librarians who have interests in a range of topics (in forensics,
mathematics education, logic and visual argument, critical thinking, English and literature, art, IT, and other
disciplines); The Centre for Teaching & Learning; and the Research and Innovation Office; Bata Cluster Centres
Potential Partners External to Trent The Spatial Reasoning Study Group (international organization); Robertson Foundation of the Jackman Institute
for Child Studies; Canada Research Chairs from University of Calgary and Simon Fraser University; Pearson
publishing house; SSHRC; and researchers in other universities in Canada and internationally
Students involved directly Local research project work with approximately 200 undergraduate and 35 graduate students
Goals
• New knowledge development on the role of visualization in thinking and learning
• Design, development, and validation of novel visualization techniques, technologies and products
• Web-based resource sharing of tools and measures for assessing visualization on a dedicated web-space (intellectual products for broad sharing)
• Development and testing instruments (Kindergarten through to University) and pedagogies that highlight visual communication, gaming learning
theories, teaching and learning (policy influence at the provincial level)
• Web-based knowledge mobilization of research findings from 3-5 projects per year
• Target of a minimum of 10 peer-reviewed articles per year and 10 peer-reviewed conference papers published through the Visualization & Creativity Lab
• Visualization & Creativity conference to be hosted at Trent University (bi-annual basis) to bring researchers together with industry leaders for Think-
Tank on collaborative research and development projects
• Community outreach projects with interested groups (including school boards and elementary and secondary teachers) to share best practices that
support visual and spatial learning and reasoning (accounting for equity, gender and abilities)
TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
30
2.10 Training & Discourse Room
Located on the third floor of Bata Research & Innovation Cluster, the Training & Discourse Room will feature a shared space
for utilization by the research groups, and their external partners. The Training & Discourse Room is a workshop/training
room, fully-equipped with AV & Media, with movable tables and chairs which can be set up in multiple configurations from
round-tables to board room style, holding up to 40 people. This space will be ideal for small symposia or large brainstorming
sessions. The Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre is planning to use the room for three-day intensive training
sessions for its Duty to Consult & Accommodate training program, which will have 15 leaders from Indigenous communities,
15 executives from resource sector companies, 1 Environmental Assessment facilitator, 1 traditional knowledge teacher, and
4-7 graduate student observers.
31TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
1. Digital
High performance computing & data
analytics infrastructure in support of
research and innovation to faculty,
staff, students and industry
2. Heritage
Maintaining heritage of the Bata
Library building, including essential
Ron Thom architecture
3. Green
Sustainability through HVAC system,
energy efficient windows, new
roofing, and green wall.
COMPONENT C – Infrastructure
Component C addresses the sustainable infrastructure and heritage design elements that will be required to complete the Bata
Research & Innovation Cluster project. These are discussed in more detail below.
2.11 Digital: High Performance Computing & Data Analytics
Entrepreneurship, visualization, educational design, environmental modelling, and Indigenous environmental research are an
integral part of this proposal. These activities will generate complex questions that need to be answered and modelled from
a computational perspective and that require high performance computing to resolve. Currently, Trent does not have a High
Performance Computing & Data Analytics service and access to computational resources is becoming scarcer, even for activities
submitted through SharcNet or for other existing activities at Federal and Provincial High Performance Computing Centres.
The mission of Trent’s High Performance Computing & Data Analytics service would be to provide high performance computing
infrastructures in support of research and innovation to its faculty, staff, students and industry, and also to provide support and
training to researchers in areas of code development for high performance computing, code optimization, numerical methods,
and any other assistance that can help researchers exploit high performance computing more efficiently.
While most centres of this kind utilize a central approach to the design of their models, with most processing available through
a supercomputer, Trent’s High Performance Computing & Data Analytics will utilize a different model of high performance
computing to allow for a significant expansion of processing power by tapping into the spare processor cycles of idle staff and
faculty desktops and laptops across the University. This is known as a Distributed Computing model. Currently, Trent has over
1,400 managed individual desktops and laptops across the University that can be utilized as processing nodes when idle. A major
advantage of utilizing a distributed model is cost. While supercomputers can be very expensive, a distributed model is much
more cost effective. In fact, a 2013 HP Study found that the hourly cost of renting a processor on a dedicated supercomputer
was approximately 2-3 times as great as on a comparable distributed cloud-based system.
Trent’s High Performance Computing & Data Analytics would not only provide access to advanced computational systems, but
would also provide access to high performance storage to support the needs of the Bata Cluster faculty, staff, students, and
industry partners. This approach would also support large-scale data analytics. Additionally, this service will provide advanced
technical support, and consulting and training for high performance computing & data analytics. These activities require that
the space be available in a centralized location. Trent’s High Performance Computing & Data Analytics service will be key to the
enablement of research, innovation and downstream commercialization.
32 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.12 Heritage & Sustainability
The Bata Building is 50 years old. Although originally well constructed and properly maintained, it is now in great need of
updating and upgrade in a holistic or systems-based approach. Most of the existing mechanical, electrical and envelope
infrastructure is original to the building and has reached or exceeded its life expectancy. In order to effect the required upgrades,
significant demolition and replacement of other building components will have to take place, as well.
The proposed repurposing of this building cannot take place unless the current major mechanical, electrical and building
envelope infrastructure is addressed. The proposed areas to be addressed include:
• Replace air handling and exhaust systems
• Redesign of variable air volume (VAV) systems
• Heating & Cooling System replacement
• Full Building Automation (BAS) control system
• Replace domestic hot water system
• Replace all Washroom Fixtures
• Humidification System
• Redesign and replacement of electrical switchgear and distribution system
• Installation of LED lighting
• Replace windows, skylight and exterior doors
• Replace roofing membrane and insulation
• Roof mounted photo-voltaic energy generation
Based upon engineering assessments, Trent has exhausted all “low hanging fruit” energy reduction possibilities for this building.
The proposed initiatives, above, not only replace building infrastructure that is well past it’s useful life, but results in reduced
energy consumption, cost and greenhouse gas emissions (Table 8).
Table 8. Alterations & Upgrades to the Bata Library
Exterior Energy Performance Alterations
Roofing Remove all existing roofing and flashing. Replace with SBS 2-ply modified-bitumen membrane complete with R40 insulation,
air vapour barrier & flashings. Roof to be protected with a low albedo pre-cultivated vegetated green roof assembly.
Window glazing
& Exterior doors
Remove all existing windows, entrances & doors. Replace all exterior glazing with new high performance curtain wall
glazing system. System to be complete with thermally broken aluminium mullion, insulating double-glazed sealed units
with argon filled low-e coating & warm edge spacers. Glass to be low iron clear to enhance visible light transmission.
Non-vision spandrel panels to be constructed of metal air barrier back-pans, R-16 insulation & glass with ceramic frit.
Exterior entrances/doors to be replaced with thermally broken aluminium frames, double glazing & weather seals.
Skylight glazing Remove all existing skylight framing & glazing. Provide new high performance skylight glazing system. System to comprise
of thermally-broken mullion framing, insulating double glazed units with argon filled low-e coating & warm edge spacers.
Glass to tempered laminated clear with ceramic frit to reduce solar heat gain.
Exterior walls Remediate all existing stone wall cladding with water & air leakage issues. Upgrade thermal & moisture performance with
new R20 insulation & air vapour barrier at accessible ceiling plenum locations. Replace all joint sealants & flashing to
eliminate air & moisture leakage.
Interior Upgrades & Alterations
Flooring
Level 02 Retain existing linoleum flooring (approx. 1/3 of floor area, recently installed). Remove all carpets and tile. Provide new
carpet and linoleum flooring.
Level 03 Remove and replace all existing carpets.
Feature Stair Remove existing rubber/carpet stair treads. Replace with new rubber treads complete with non-slip tactile/visual
warning strips.
33TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
Table 8. Alterations & Upgrades to the Bata Library (con’t.)
Ceiling Remove all existing wood access tiles in wood ceiling. Allow for treating existing wood to meet flame spread ratings or
replace with FSC certified cedar planks should reusing the existing not be feasible. Reinstate or replace tiles complete with
new panel framing and acoustic backing materials.
Allow for refurbishment of existing ACT and GWB ceilings.
Interior Partitions Remove all existing interior partitions. Provide new gypsum board acoustic partitions per new planning. Paint refinish all
existing partitions to remain.
Doors & frames Hollow metal frames with wood veneer solid core doors.
Glazed screens Structural glass screens. Frameless tempered low iron glass. Tempered glass doors with patch fittings. 2x frameless
tempered glass sliding doors at MakerSpace and visualization lab.
Vegetated Green Wall Install approx. 40m² (8mx5m) green wall on existing face of elevator core. Provide for irrigation, drainage, and wall
mounted grow lights.
Hazardous substances Allowance required for potential concealed asbestos in ceiling plenums.
Mechanical & Electrical Alteration and replacement of existing HVAC, lighting and heating systems. Installation of full building automation system.
Trent University – Bata Research & Innovation Cluster Regulatory RequirementsThe work associated with the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster focusses primarily on interior architecture and systems; the
roof, atrium skylight and exterior window shade structures are to be replaced and repaired as required. The scope of regulatory
requirements for this project will be smaller than if a new structure or change in footprint of a structure were contemplated.
Consultants have already researched the approvals and consultations that need to take place. The majority of the approvals and
permits will be finalized when the design drawing phase is complete in October 2016 (See Supplementary Documents: Appendix
7 – Engineering Designs & Regulatory Approvals).
A list of permits and approvals includes, but may not be limited to:
• Zoning assessment review – existing institutional use is already compliant
• Site Plan Approval – not required as alterations do not revise site
• Building Permit – when design drawings complete
• Otonabee River Conservation Authority – courtesy review only
• Ministry of the Environment – renew all existing certificates; Certificate of Air (ECA) determined to already be in place
• Review by Architectural Preservation Society
• Review by Trent University Heritage Committee
34 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2.13 Green Walls
One of the features contemplated in the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster project is a green, or ‘living’ wall. The building is
blessed with a stone-rubble column that rises from the floor to the top of the atrium. Although its primary purpose is to house
the main elevator shaft, the exposed side presents as a very impressive stone column rising towards the skylight.
Green walls can be green facades, where the growing medium is located at the base and the plants grow up a supporting
structure. Alternatively, or in combination, a living wall can be created which sees plants embedded in growing medium fastened
to vertical assemblies on the wall.
Benefits of Green and/or Living Walls
• Green Walls in buildings help improve air quality as the plants installed naturally filter contaminants from the air.
• Plants that are part of Green Walls can help reduce indoor noise by absorbing acoustic energy.
• Green Walls are often attributed to greater building user satisfaction, productivity and an overall improved sense of health
and well-being.
• Green Walls enhance the human indoor experience by lowering blood pressure, increasing productivity, creativity, idea
generation, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Green Walls are a symbol of “Green Building” and will enhance the staff/student perception of Trent being a sustainable
institution.
• A Green Wall could support Trent’s on-going commitment to sustainable agriculture and incorporate growing small fruit,
vegetables and/or herbs.
35TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
3. PROJECT GOVERNANCEThe Bata Research & Innovation Cluster project will follow the current procedure for all major capital projects at Trent University
(Figure 2). In Reporting Stream 1, a report is provided by the Associate Vice President, Facilities Management, to the Vice
President, Finance & Administration for presentation to the Finance & Property Committee of the Board of Governors. This report
is then brought to the next full Board of Governors’ meeting. The report provides a summary of activities to-date, cost-to-date
and forecasted final project costs. Forecasted final project costs are compared to Board-approved budget, forecasted variances
explained, and mitigating strategies, if required, explained. In addition to Reporting Stream 1, tied to the Board of Governors’
meetings, in Reporting Stream 2, the project status is discussed regularly among the Vice President, Finance & Administration,
AVP, Facilities Management and the relevant Project Manager.
Project Reporting Stream 2Project Reporting Stream 1
Figure 2. Project Governance
Vice PresidentFinance & Administration
Associate Vice PresidentFacilities Management
Finance & Property CommitteeBoard of Governors
Board of Governors VP, Finance & Administration
AVP, Facilities Management Project Manager
36 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
4. RISKS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIESAs the Bata Library undergoes renovations that include the two-floor transformation into the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster,
and a complete retrofit of the building with a goal to meet LEED standards, a number of risks have been identified as potentially
impacting project completion. These risks and the strategies to mitigate them are identified in Table 9. In the face of an ever-
changing environment, the identification of risks and the planning for their mitigation will improve the chance of successfully
completing this project. As the renovation evolves, we will continue to update the risks, refine the mitigation strategies, and
implement steps to manage and reduce further risks.
37TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
Table 9. Project Risks and Mitigation
RISKS MITIGATION STRATEGIES
1. Inability to attract matching funds • Secure guarantee from Board, fund-raising and/or borrowing to ensure matching capabilities
2. Unexpected building conditions
that arise during the 2-floor
transformation and retrofitting of the
Bata library and increase costs
• Ensure that an appropriate contingency fund is planned to allow for the coverage of such eventualities
including time delays within construction schedule
• Ensure that architects and construction teams have knowledge and skills to renovate heritage buildings
• Ensure that architects understand specialized use of a 21st century library and the library experience
3. Unrealistic cost and timeline estimates • Ensure reliable and timely costing information to support decision making
• Review budget regularly to make adjustments
• Monitor timelines regularly to maintain schedule and adjust for financial and human costs
4. Building disruptions that reduce
library use, limit study space during
exams, delay or reduce access to
materials and space, or decrease
access to technology
• Consultation - work closely with library staff, other administrative units, Deans, students and faculty
to identify the impact of construction, (including time and access)
• Concentrate on what is doable and within budget
• Prepare good communications plan, give occupants time to compensate for loss of services, let users
know how the renovations will affect their use of the library, and access to collections
• Update information on progress
• Limit construction to times that have less disruptions – concentrate construction to off-peak periods
• Identify temporary accommodations as necessary to ensure that activities can continue with
minimal disruptions
5. Exposure of environmental risks
during building process (e.g.,
presence of asbestos and other
substances that endanger the
health and safety of workers and the
building occupants)
• Contain environmental hazards while under construction (built into cost estimates and contingencies)
to reduce building’s impact on the environment
• Ensure healthy/safe physical environment for those occupying the building during renovations
6. Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities standards compromised
during construction
• Include cost estimates to reflect necessary contingencies plans for ensuring Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities accessibility
7. Increased physical risk to occupants
and site during renovations
• Ensure that security, fire and other critical systems are operational for adequate protection
• Update emergency plan to accommodate construction
• Have higher than typical contingency funds to allow changes to existing systems
(e.g., greater human security)
8. Changing the heritage value of the
building as the functionality changes
• Engagement of the Heritage Advisory Committee throughout all stages of the project
• Include information on the building history as planning documents are developed to establish
the basis for the work
• Emphasize protection of the heritage value of the building through final planning and
transformation phases
• Integrate such risks into cost estimates and contingencies
9. Damage to collection, books,
computers, etc. during construction
• Determine collection removal and/or protection in advance
• Assign reasonable collection protection responsibilities to library staff
• Determine collection circulation processes for floors under construction through library support staff
10. Catastrophic event causing a
disruption in the supply chain
• Awareness of events and the effects
• Include cost estimates of sourcing secondary sources for supplies and/or labour
11. Underutilization of Entrepreneurship
& Social Innovation Centre,
Visualization & Creativity Lab and
Educational Research Design Studio
• Ensure that communications, training and programming are available to demonstrate the value of
these centres
• Encourage utilization of these centres by demonstrating opportunities within both academic and
extra-curricular programming
• Positive engagement with on-campus entrepreneurship student club & programming through
Peterborough Innovation Cluster
12. Two-floor transformation of current
building may not sustain future
research and development needs
• Plan for physical and technological maintenance and upgrades in the space plan to ensure current
and relevant research and development can flourish on a sustainable future basis
38 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
5. DETAILED PROJECT SCHEDULE WITH MILESTONESThe Bata Research & Innovation Cluster project will take 533 days in total to complete. Pre-design and approvals began
January 25, 2016, the official start date for the project (SIF Funding Approval) will be July 1, 2016, ending April 29, 2018.
Table 10 below details each phase of the project, the numbers of days to complete and the estimated dates. (Please see
Supplementary Documents: Appendix 8 – Approved Project Schedule; and Appendix 9 – Contractor Proposals and Start Dates.
Table 10. Bata Research & Innovation Cluster Schedule
2016 2017 2018
Project Phase Days 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 01 02 03 04 05 06
Pre-Design & Approvals 114
Commencement of
Functional Space
study plan
0
Consultation (user
groups, workshops,
interviews)
21
Space plan options 7
Functional Program
masterplan
22
SIF funding application
documentation
12
Trent University approval 0
SIF funding review
& approval
41
Program detailed
development
39
Schematic Design 22
Project start
(SIF Funding approved)
0
Workshop 1 - Design
Charrette
0
Schematic design
documentation
development
20
SD design Cost estimate 0
SD design presentation
& review
0
Trent University approval
of SD submission
0
Design Development 66
Workshop 2 - Design
Charrete
0
Design Development
documentation
63
Workshop 3 - Design
Charrete
0
DD design Cost estimate 0
DD design presentation
& review
0
Trent University approval
of DD submission
0
Construction Documents 105
Exterior Envelope &
Roofing construction
documents
22
Focus group 1 (Envelope) 0
Focus group 2
(M&E systems)
0
39TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
2016 2017 2018
Project Phase Days 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 01 02 03 04 05 06
M&E equipment brief &
specifications
23
Architectural, M & E 65%
CD development
63
Focus group 3 (Detailing
& finishes)
0
Construction Documents
100% submission to Trent
40
Construction document
cost estimate
5
Trent Facilities review of
100% CD submission
5
Focus group 4 (pretender
review)
0
University approval of CD
submission
0
Tender Packages 110
Exterior Envelope
& Roofing
20
M & E equipment 19
Interior alterations
& ME systems
22
Approvals & Permits 87
City of Peterborough
pre-application review
meeting
0
Otonabee River
Conservation (ORCA)
review
10
MOE application (ECA)
(REA) (EASR)
364
Building Permit
application (Exterior
Envelope)
24
Building Permit
application (Interior
Alterations & M/E
systems)
56
Building Construction 411
Construction Mobilization 0
Shop Submittals/material/
equipment delivery
35
Roof & Skylight
installation
32
Floor Level 3 alterations 75
Floor Level 2 alterations 86
M&E distribution systems
Level 1 & 4
89
Service Plant M&E
equipment installation
97
Exterior envelope
installation & remediation
97
Commissioning & Final
Balancing of systems
26
Substantial Performance 0
Project Completion 533
Table 10. Bata Research & Innovation Cluster Schedule (con’t)
40 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
6. PROJECT COSTSThe requested funding from the Strategic Investment Fund is critical to the completion of the Bata Research & Innovation
Cluster. Below we summarize the budget, financial information and sources of funding integral to this project.
6.1 Budget Summary
The estimated eligible cost associated with this project is $14M. The construction cost alone is estimated at $11.7M. Total
project costs exclude, in all cases, ineligible costs as identified in Annex D of the SIF Program Guide. This particular project
focusses on repurposing and revitalizing pre-existing University space. It is expected that if any ineligible costs are incurred,
they will be immaterial.
Table 11. DETAILED BUDGET INFORMATION
Breakdown of Capital Projects Requested Program Funding Total Costs
Capital Costs $5,850,000 $11,700,000
Engineering and Environmental Planning & Reviews $525,000 $1,050,000
Audit & Project Evaluation $5,000 $10,000
Eligible IT Infrastructure, Consulting, Commissioning, Moving, Signage etc. $620,000 $1,240,000
Ineligible Costs $0 $0
Total $7,000,000 $14,000,000
6.2 Financial Information Summary
This project involves the renewal and repurposing of an existing building space. Therefore, 100% of the eligible costs relate to
renovations, repairs or maintenance.
The funding profile will see approximately $500k SIF grant required in fiscal 2016/2017 relating to architectural design and planning.
Fiscal 2017/2018 will be the year in which the main body of work will take place with an estimated funding requirement of $6.0M.
Finally, fiscal 2018/2019 will require funding of approximately $500k, related primarily to release of final holdbacks after the work
is complete.
Table 12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION SUMMARY
What percentage of your project is for: Percentage (must total 100%)
New Construction or Expansion: % 0%
Renovations, Repairs or Maintenance: % 100%
Total Percentage 100%
Expected Funding Profile: Amount
Year 1 (by 2017-03-31) $500,000
Year 2 (from 2017-04-01 to 2018-03-31) $6,000,000
Year 3 (from 2018-04-01 to 2018-04-30) $500,000
Total $7,000,000
41TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
6.3 Sources of Funding
In addition to the $7M grant requested from the Strategic Investment Fund, Trent will dedicate its Provincial Facilities Renewal
Program (FRP) funding for 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 (See Supplementary Documents: Appendix 10 – Approved Sources of
Funding). This diverted funding totals $1.1M over the two years. The balance of the required $14M in funding will come from a
combination of internally-generated resources and debt financing.
Table 13. SOURCES OF FUNDING
Amount
SIF Requested Funding $7,000,000
Other Sources of Funding
Applicant (Debt Financing) $3,900,000
Fundraising $2,000,000
Provincial/Territorial $1,100,000
Total Other Sources of Funding $7,000,000
6.4 Ineligible Costs
All cost estimates presented above exclude those deemed as ineligible.
42 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
7. OUTCOMES: THE RESULTS OF SIF SUPPORTThe development of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will address pressing space constraints at Trent, but this will be only
one of the important outcomes. Trent faculty, students and our partners will have the opportunity to tackle real world problems
in a way that can play a major role building the economies of Peterborough, Ontario and Canada. The educational, social and
economic benefits of such development are outlined in more detail below.
7.1 Introducing Students to Entrepreneurship
The plans for the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster investment dovetail with Trent University’s strategic research plan
and its strategic mandate agreement (with the provincial government) in a number of important ways. Building on other
entrepreneurship developments at Trent, the Bata Cluster will introduce students to entrepreneurship as a career, allowing
them opportunities to enhance their skills in presentation, networking, financial management, project planning and creative
problem solving. The Public Ideation Area and the MakerSpace will provide creative spaces that allow students to work with
potential collaborators and innovators.
The Cluster will bring heightened attention to the Trent Community Research Centre, increasing its profile and accessibility,
and broadening the opportunities for undergraduate students to do research and work on problem-solving projects with public
and private organizations, and to obtain course credits while they do so. The centres located in the Cluster will expose students
to ground-breaking research on, among other things, the impact of global warming and pollutants, traditional knowledge
and Indigenous points of view, visualization in many different guises, and on the potential benefits and opportunities that
accompany an aging society.
There is ample evidence that early awareness of entrepreneurship as a career goal, hands-on learning experiences and the
development of relevant skillsets (creativity, risk management, business and financial planning for example) will prepare young
people for a rapidly-changing society and workforce where they can be successful change agents as innovators, entrepreneurs or
intrapreneurs. Futurpreneur Canada has stated that “Youth cannot become entrepreneurs unless they know that entrepreneurship is
an option for them and understand what it entails.” They identify limited student access to post-secondary entrepreneurial courses,
especially across multiple disciplines, as a key challenge in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset amongst Canadian youth.
With this understanding, Trent University has created a working group, comprising faculty, students and local entrepreneurs, to advise
on the creation of an extra-curricular student entrepreneurship program. One result has been an Entrepreneurship Club which has
become the largest student club on campus. The Bata Research & Innovation Cluster will foster and encourage the development
of a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship at Trent, supporting faculty who want to incorporate principles of entrepreneurship in their
courses; providing experiential and co-curricular learning opportunities for students; creating opportunities for mentorship and
partnerships; and securing seed funding to enable and grow student-led initiatives, start-ups and change projects.
Within the University, the location of the Research Cluster will illustrate the adage that the best property investments take advantage
of 3 attributes: “location, location, and location”. In this case, converting two floors of the library into the Research Cluster will
root it in the building with the most visits and the most traffic at the University. This space will bring together a diverse range of
backgrounds and placing the Cluster here will give it maximum visibility in a way that will build curiosity, encourage investigation,
and (in the words of Trent’s tagline) “challenge the way we think” about a wide range of multi-disciplinary issues and concerns.
7.2 Faculty and Graduate Research
The Bata Cluster will have added benefits for faculty and graduate researchers, and community and industry partners who will be
able to pursue research, innovation and commercialization opportunities within state of the art research facilities. Projects within
the Cluster will be able to access research talent in multiple Trent graduate programs which include Canada’s largest Indigenous
Studies PhD program (with 30 students) and an Environment & Life Sciences graduate program (170 students), which is one of
the largest in North America. We expect research in the Cluster to inspire the development of new programs at the graduate
level. The Cluster will also provide the spark, space and support to increase Trent’s impact through successfully graduating
students with an innovation mind-set, work-force ready skills, and in some cases, ideas and businesses already underway.
43TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
Research in the Bata Cluster will also generate intellectual property in a variety of areas and permit a broad range of leading-
edge research projects which will include, to take only a few examples, the evaluation of the environmental impacts of new
nano-particle compounds; work with companies in the resource, mining, and energy sectors who want to establish and
maintain positive relationships with Indigenous communities; the development of educational programs and technology; and
ground-breaking work on the uses and potential of virtual reality.
7.3 Local, Provincial, and National Economic Benefits
Trent University plays a crucial role in the reputation and success of the City of Peterborough and the surrounding area,
serving as a major regional economic engine. The University is already the second largest employer in Peterborough and
has a significant impact in Durham, having an annual economic impact of $500 million and contributing almost 8% of the
Peterborough region’s GDP. In partnership with the City of Peterborough, Fleming College, and private investors in the city,
Trent has committed itself to the development of a Peterborough entrepreneurship eco-system which will spur economic
development for the area (See Supporting Documents: Appendix 1: Trent Research Innovation Park).
The development of the regional economy is a priority in an area which has suffered through a post-industrial transition era as
many large companies have either downsized, gone out of business, or left the area. The Peterborough Economic Development
2015-2019 Strategic Plan aims “to shift from a low-growth, under-performing economy to a high-growth, over-performing
economy over the long-term”. The plan is to do so through creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on a
culture of start-ups and entrepreneurship which takes advantage of Peterborough’s location (close to Toronto), the low cost of
living and conducting business in the area, and the exceptional quality of life in the Kawarthas. (See Supplementary Documents:
Appendices 11 – Trent University Bata Research & Innovation Cluster Vision, Perkin+Will; Appendix 12 – Trent University’s 2015
Report to the Community and Appendix 13 - 2015-2019 Strategic Plan Summary, City of Peterborough).
Trent is already leading much of this development, with an established incubation centre (“The Cube”) and a Research and
Innovation Park which is currently being developed with the city. Discussions have begun with Venture North, a group of
investors, on how we might work together to ensure that Peterborough enjoys a vibrant economy. The development of
Peterborough as a region dedicated to entrepreneurship and new enterprise, with a special emphasis on green technology
and the environment, will establish a niche that will grow positive economic impacts provincially and nationally.
7.4 Understanding Demographic Changes
A key issue for all of Canada is our changing demographic. As the population ages this creates a need for social and economic
innovation that will address the realities of an aging population. Trent’s Centre for Aging & Society in the Bata Cluster will address
this need in a manner that takes into account local, provincial and national issues. The location of the Centre for Aging in close
proximity to the Entrepreneurship Centre, Indigenous Environmental Centre, and the other research centres in the Cluster will
foster collaborative projects that will positively address the demographic challenges of an aging population in Ontario and Canada.
7.5 Provincial Mandate
Under the Provincial Strategic Mandate Agreements, the Ministry and the University are committed to work together to drive
creativity, innovation, knowledge, and community engagement through teaching and research. Trent’s Strategic Mandate
Agreement places special emphasis on research activities focussing on the environment, community health (aging), Indigenous
Knowledge and sustainability. The Bata Cluster will strengthen our research and innovation in these and other areas. In
keeping with our Strategic Mandate Agreement, the Cluster will provide an entrepreneurship and social innovation hub that
will assist students in pursuing businesses and social innovation, allowing us to expand our partnerships with local and regional
organizations, converting innovation and research into jobs and economic development.
The Bata Cluster will also enhance education in Ontario by creating a teaching and research environment for Trent students
and faculty that is accessible, high quality and sustainable. It will at the same time address a significant number of deferred
maintenance issues which have been already recognized in our submissions to the provincial government (See Supplementary
44 TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
Documents: Appendix 2). They include maintenance and upgrading in the form of roof, skylights, interior finishes and
mechanical/electrical systems. Many of these repairs and replacements will increase the energy efficiency of the building.
7.6 National Cultural Implications
The Bata Library is an architectural masterpiece designed by award-winning architect, Ron Thom. The building is an excellent
example of a modernist, functional building which exemplifies Thom’s conviction that a building should “make love” to its natural
setting. Though primarily motivated by its research, innovation and economic impact, the development of the Bata Research &
Innovation Cluster – completed shortly after Canada celebrates its 150th birthday – will transform the Bata Library in a LEED-
inspired retrofit which will result in a long-overdue energy-saving, sustainable renovation, preserving and enhancing a 50-year
old iconic building with significant cultural, historic and architectural significance for Canada.
7.7 Aboriginal Impacts
Trent has an exceptional track record of work with Indigenous people. It includes the ties to Curve Lake First Nation (which
played a role in the creation of the University), the lead it has taken developing Indigenous Studies programs in Canada, the
Elders Gathering it has held annually for forty years, and its recent launch of a new BEd program designed for Indigenous
students and communities. The Bata Research & Innovation Cluster emphasizes the University’s program in innovative and
groundbreaking Indigenous Environmental Studies.
The new Indigenous Environmental Studies Research Centre will have immediate and far-reaching impacts. For example,
the Centre’s work with a majority-owned aboriginal environmental services company to develop a new “Duty to Consult &
Accommodate” program is designed to educate executives in resource and energy sector companies, and engage leaders
and elders in Indigenous communities. This program will be a model for expediting the environmental assessment process
that resource, mining and energy sector companies need to follow should their development projects require consultation
with Indigenous communities. An expedited environmental assessment will provide economic benefits to both industry and
Indigenous communities.
The Trent Indigenous Environmental Studies group has a network of 133 Indigenous communities in Canada. The group is
supported by a number of graduate programs including our Indigenous Studies PhD program. The Bata Cluster will enable a
broader outreach program related to addressing Indigenous community issues. The starting point will be resource/mining/
energy developments, but the relationships with Indigenous communities can be leveraged to include youth entrepreneurship
training/mentorship, research and educational symposia related to addressing major issues such truth and reconciliation, land
and territory claims, cultural and language preservation, and serious concerns impacting youth in Indigenous communities. (See
Supplementary Documents: Appendix 14 – Indigenous Consultations).
7.8 Advancing Canada’s Climate Change and Sustainability Goals
The Bata Cluster will advance Canada’s climate change and sustainability goals in a variety of ways. It will keep Trent at the
forefront of climate change abatement. It will demonstrate how heritage values can be incorporated into sustainable design.
And it will emphasize research and innovation which will address significant environmental challenges. The entrepreneurship
and commercialization aspects of the Bata Cluster’s development will ensure that this research and innovation is tied to industry
partnerships and initiates change in private and public enterprise. Above all else, the Bata Cluster will be a further catalyst for the
development of Trent as a University that specializes in sustainable and environmentally-conscious development.
45TRENT UNIVERSITY’S BATA RESEARCH & INNOVATION CLUSTERA Proposal to the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
8. PROJECT READINESS FACTORS: Appendices(Attached as Supporting Documents)Appendix 1: Trent Research Innovation Park
Appendix 2: Capital Inventory/SIF Provincial Template
Appendix 3: Approval in Principle of the Bata Research & Innovation Cluster by Chair of the Governing Board of Trent University
Appendix 4: Certification and Authorization of the Bata Research & Innovation Project
Appendix 5: Priority Designation by Trent University
Appendix 6: Letters of Support: Maryam Monsef (MP, Peterborough-Kawartha); Jeff Leal (MPP, Peterborough);
Daryl Bennett (Mayor, City of Peterborough); J. Murray Jones (Warden of County of Peterborough)
Appendix 7: Engineering Designs & Regulatory Approvals
Appendix 8: Approved Project Schedule with Milestones
Appendix 9: Contractor Proposals and Start Dates
Appendix 10:Approved Sources of Funding
Appendix 11: Trent University Bata Research & Innovation Cluster Vision & Proposal, prepared by Perkin+Wills
Appendix 12: Trent University’s 2015 Report to the Community
Appendix 13: 2015 – 2019 Strategic Plan Summary (City of Peterborough)
Appendix 14: Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) Consultations